Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

After seeing Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, we were convinced that writer/director Martin McDonagh had to be high on many major studios’ wishlists. He made his debut with 2008’s brilliant In Bruges, and followed up with 2012’s Seven Psychopaths. His blend of black comedy and drama is consistently stunning.

Three Billboards tells the story of a mother (the always amazing Frances McDormand) who takes matters into her own hands when the police can’t find her daughter's killer. But this isn't a revenge movie. The mother posts three billboards directed at the chief of police (Woody Harrelson) just outside of her hometown, and in the process turns the police force and townspeople against her.

McDormand and Harrelson received every possible accolade for their performances, but Sam Rockwell is the movie’s real MVP as thea rather inept, immature officer who does his best to remove the offending billboards.

If you enjoyed In Bruges, you’ll agree that Three Billboards is a more mature work with even better characters, a better story, and even more unexpected twists and turns. With all of this, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri more than deserves a place on this list.